This is the first in a series of articles profiling players the Jets could potentially cut for salary cap purposes. Today we look at Trumaine Johnson
Cap charge if on the team in 2020: $15 million
Cap savings if cut: $3 million ($12 million in dead money)
Why cutting Johnson would make sense: Through two seasons with the Jets, Johnson’s contract appears to be one of the worst free agent deals in recent NFL history.
He has frequently not been on the field. Due to injuries, Johnson has suited up for only 17 of a possible 32 games during his two seasons in New York. When he has been on the field, his play has been poor. After being beaten for a long touchdown early in 2018 by Donte Moncrief, Johnson seemed to be afraid to challenge receivers in press coverage because of his depleted speed. As a player who made his name playing aggressive coverage, this made him almost completely ineffective. Johnson didn’t show much leadership in the locker room either. He was a healthy scratch in the Jets’ 2018 season finale after reportedly skipping practice and meetings.
While there were hopes a reunion with Gregg Williams in 2019 could spark a career revival, Johnson was benched after a poor opener against Buffalo. After returning to the starting lineup a few weeks later, his play did not improve. Johnson conjured images of Darrelle Revis’ 2016 season with the Jets as he looked disinterested offering comical cushions in coverage.
$3 million is not much in cap savings. It surely will not pay for a replacement starting cornerback, but Johnson’s roster spot is probably better off going to somebody else. Johnson doesn’t appear to have any productivity left in him.
Why cutting Johnson wouldn’t make sense: I got nothing. There will be some players in this series for whom a case can be made either way. I don’t see any viable argument for keeping Johnson.
What do you think?